A Northallerton man heading for Portugal for England's crunch Euro 2004 quarter-final has been grounded by police at Manchester Airport.

The 34-year-old was stopped as part of a police operation to prevent troublemakers from travelling to Portugal. Computer checks made at the airport revealed he had two outstanding warrants for failing to appear at both Darlington Magistrates Court in 2002, and Teesside Magistrates Court in April 2003 for minor traffic offences. The man was travelling with five other people to Faro with the intention of going to the England v Portugal game tonight. Greater Manchester Police stressed the man was not suspected of being involved in football-related violence. He will be detained in Greater Manchester until he can be transported back to the North-east.

Abscess death

A RETIRED Teesside plumber died from a lung abscess, despite high levels of asbestos in his body. Teesside Coroner Michael Sheffield heard yestesterday how 84-year-old Owen McGahan died at Wellburn House, in Wellburn Road, in Fairfield, in March. Medical evidence revealed the divorced father had a lung abscess and was also suffering from heart disease. Mr Sheffield recorded a verdict of death as a result of natural causes, after doctors confirmed exposure to asbestos had not contributed to Mr McGahan's death.

Beer festival

BEER buffs are being invited to the 11th annual beer festival, held by Sedgefield Community Association on Friday, July 2 and Saturday, July 3. The event will be held at Ceddesfeld Hall on Rectory Row in the town, when live music will also be on offer from 8-11pm on Friday and 3-11pm on Saturday. More information is available from Wendy Gill on 01740 620206 or Ray Barron on 01740 621166.

Date change

THE popular annual strawberries and cream teas event at Newcomen Methodist Church, Mersey Road, Redcar, will now take place on Saturday July 3 from 2.30pm-4.30pm, not July 17 as previously arranged. Admission is £1.50 for adults, £1 for children, with proceeds to church funds. In the event of bad weather, it will be in the Epworth Hall.

Toilet fire

YOUTHS are blamed for starting a fire in toilets in Majuba Road, Redcar. It was put out by crews from the Redcar station at about 7.30pm last night .

Get some in!

THE Royal Navy and Royal Marines recruiting teams will be at the Maritime Festival, Hartlepool, on the weekend of July 3 and 4, and Corus Steel Gala, Redcar, on Sunday, July 4.